Here's what the Chattanooga area has to offer this week.
Bad romance
A new study ranking the states where couples are least happy in their marriages puts Tennessee and Georgia at the top of the list. The study for national law firm Schmidt & Clark analyzed more than 300,000 Google searches for divorce and related terms and found that Tennessee residents are looking for official separation the most, averaging 141 searches per 100,000 residents, which is 40% more than the average American. Georgia follows, with 134 searches per 100,000 residents. The states with the happiest marriages this Valentine's Day, according to the search parameters, are Alaska, South Dakota and Hawaii.
CALENDAR
ARTS
THE ARTS CENTER — 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn. Open exhibition from artists of all ages and experience levels, through Feb. 15. athensartscouncil.org
AVA GALLERY — 30 Frazier Ave. Association for Visual Arts presents "Outside / Inside: Paintings, Drawings and Multimedia Works" by Tom Farnam and Judith Mogul, through Feb. 23. avarts.org
CLEARSTORY ARTS — 1673 S. Holtzclaw Ave. Fiber Arts Showcase: A Celebration of the Textile Arts, featuring works by 26 artists, through Feb. 10. First Friday reception, with open studios, mini market and live demonstrations, 6-8 p.m. Feb. 2; closing open house, 2-6 p.m. Feb. 10. clearstoryarts.com
CREATIVE ARTS GUILD — 520 W. Waugh St., Dalton, Ga. "Origins, Destinations and Points in Between," 50 works by leading Black artists of the last century, Feb. 2-23. Opening reception, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 2. creativeartsguild.org
FRANKLIN COUNTY ARTS GUILD — The Artisan Depot, 204 E. Cumberland St., Cowan, Tenn. franklincoarts.org
› Through Jan. 28: "Winding Down" community show.
› Feb. 1-March 31: "Softly Stirring" community show. Intake, through Jan. 28. Reception, 5- 7 p.m. CST Feb. 16.
GALLERY AT BLACKWELL — 71 Eastgate Loop. Photographic Society of Chattanooga's holiday show, through Feb. 1 (extended). chattanoogaphoto.org
HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART — 10 Bluff View. Teen Art Show, with works by local tween and teens inspired by new exhibition, "Networked Nature," 4- 8 p.m. Feb. 1, with free Throwback Thursday admission and rescheduled Vision + Verse with neo-soul singer Zowie Boyd, accompanied by Mia Treadwell and Tom Matthews, and poet Erika Roberts in call-and-response program with audience. huntermuseum.org
ICA @ UTC — University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Fine Arts Center, 752 Roland Carter St. Institute of Contemporary Art hosts solo exhibition of new paintings by Becky Suss, inspired by Ann Patchett's 2019 novel "The Dutch House," through March 16. icachatt.org
IN-TOWN GALLERY — 26A Frazier Ave. "Blank Canvas — Make Your Mark," monthlong interactive experience for visitors to express themselves on a blank canvas, through Jan. 31. intowngallery.com
JEWISH CULTURAL CENTER — 5461 North Terrace. "Vessel," featuring work of 25 local and nationally known artists, through Feb. 23. jewishchattanooga.com
NORTH RIVER CIVIC CENTER — 1009 Executive Drive, Suite 102, Hixson. "Fine Art of the West" by David Fishman, through April 1. 423-870-8924
RIVER GALLERY — 400 E. Second St. Works by still-life painter Ev Niewoehner and ceramicist Mitch Yung, through Jan. 31. Encaustic demo by Deborah Llewellyn, 1-3 p.m. Feb. 3. river-gallery.com
SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY — 4881 Taylor Circle. School of Visual Art and Design presents joint exhibition of paintings and drawings by Heath Montgomery and Donald Keefe, "Viceversa," through Feb. 23. southern.edu
STOVEWORKS GALLERY — 1250 E. 13th St. "Teen Curators: Unfiltered Emotional Release," through Feb. 17. stoveworks.org
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
LOCAL HISTORY UNEARTHED — Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. M.L. King Blvd. Information session looking for community input on the Steele Home for Needy Children archaeology project, focusing on remains of orphanage founded in 1884 recently identified on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus, led by reps of UTC, UT-Knoxville and the Bessie, 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 1. Free but registration required. Livestream available. bessiesmithcc.org
NIGHT MARKET — The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Suite 108. Showcase of Black businesses and entrepreneurs, with merchandise including clothing, candles, jewelry and food, plus DJ MC Pro, 6-9 p.m. Feb. 2. thechattery.org
COMEDY
THE COMEDY CATCH — 29 Station St. Etta May, special engagement, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1, $20-$25; 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Feb. 2-3, $25-$30. thecomedycatch.com
WALKER THEATRE — 399 McCallie Ave. Brad Upton on Tap Out, Nap Out, Crap Out Tour, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2. $33-$119. tivolichattanooga.com
FILM
BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. Special screening of Clarence Brown's "Flesh and the Devil," with score curated from the music of The Impressions, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. $10-$15. barkinglegs.org
CHATTANOOGA JEWISH DOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES — Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace. Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga presents "J'Accuse," final installment in series, virtually Jan. 28-Feb. 2 (noon to noon); or in person, 3 p.m. Jan. 28. $12. jewishchattanooga.com
MUSIC
BARKING LEGS THEATER — 1307 Dodds Ave. "100 BC: Barney Kessel and Chet Atkins at 100," with Bruce Forman and Pat Bergeson playing guitars and telling stories about the guitar icons who were their mentors, bosses and friends, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31. $20. barkinglegs.org
BARRELHOUSE BALLROOM — 1501 Long St. barrelhouseballroom.com
› Jan. 28 and Feb. 4: Sunday Funday, featuring Danimal, Martelli & Forlines, 1-4 p.m. Free.
› Jan. 28: A Celebration of Life Honoring Dave Webb, 6 p.m. $10 suggested donation goes to endocrine clinic at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for children with diabetes.
› Jan. 31: The Steel Wheels, 8 p.m. $15-$20.
› Feb. 2: Gavin Adcock, with Landon Smith, 9 p.m. $15-$18.
› Jan. 3: End of the Line: An Allman Brothers Tribute, 9 p.m. $20-$25.
CHATTANOOGA SYMPHONY & OPERA — Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave. Masterworks concert, "Brahms 4," conducted by music director candidate Andrew Crust 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1. $15-$90. chattanoogasymphony.org
GEM THEATRE — 114 N. Wall St., Calhoun, Ga. Turn to Stone: A Tribute to ELO, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3. $40-$45. calhoungemtheatre.org
MARDI GRAS 2024: RIGHT & WONG — Read House, 107 W. M.L. King Blvd. Mystikal Krewe of Indulgences' annual ball with live Dixieland jazz band, second line, DJ and Cajun buffet, 7 p.m. Feb. 3. $71-$100. Proceeds support Downside Up, serving families affected by Down syndrome. eventbrite.com
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM — 399 McCallie Ave. Scotty McCreery on Cab in a Solo tour, 7 p.m. Feb. 3. $31-$139. tivolichattanooga.com
SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY —
› Jan. 28: School of Music presents organist Nathan Laube, 7:30 p.m. in Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4829 College Drive. Free admission; livestream available. southern.edu/musicevents
› Feb. 3: School of Journalism and Communication presents singer/songwriter Riley Clemmons as special guest for "Ignite Live" talk show, 8 p.m. in Iles PE Center, University Drive. Show includes interactive games, student performances and Clemmons' testimony on music and faith. $15. southern.edu/ignite
› Feb. 4: Concerto Competition winners perform with Southern Adventist University's Symphony Orchestra, 4 p.m. in Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4829 College Drive. Free admission; livestream available. southern.edu/musicevents
SUNDAY SHOWCASE — UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St. Performing Arts League of Chattanooga's celebration of Chattanooga's young talent, 3 p.m. Jan. 28. Features performers of choral and instrumental music, dance, drama and music theater. $10 (free for children under 12). Proceeds go toward grants and scholarships. palchattanooga.org
UTC FINE ARTS CENTER — 752 Roland Carter St. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra concerto concert, featuring works by Rachmaninoff, Grieg, Dvorak and Gounod, 3 p.m. Feb. 4. Free. Free parking in adjacent Lupton Hall parking garage. utc.edu
OUT & ABOUT
CHATTANOOGA BOAT SHOW — Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza. Expo of dealers with hundreds of boats and related equipment, 2-8 p.m. Feb. 1, noon-8 p.m. Feb. 2, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 4. $25 weekend pass; $6-$15 single day. chattanoogaboatshow.com
Staff file photo by Olivia Ross / The Chattanooga Boat Show will return to the Chattanooga Convention Center Feb. 1-4.CHICKAMAUGA CIVIL WAR SHOW — Dalton Convention Center, 2211 Tony Ingle Parkway, Dalton, Ga. Vendors with 500 tables of merchandise of interest to shooters, collectors and Civil War enthusiasts, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 4. $10. mkshows.com
GARDEN TOOL SHARPENING — Crabtree Farms, 1000 E. 30th St. Learn and practice basic sharpening techniques using wetstone, bench grinder and files, 10 a.m.-noon Feb. 3. Bring your own tools or help prep the farm's pruners, shears, hatchets, shovels and hoes for spring. Free; donations welcome. crabtreefarms.org
HOUSEPLANT FESTIVAL — Signal Mountain Nursery, 1100 Hubbard Road, Signal Mountain. Fifth annual event includes sales, crafts, vendors and wide selection of plants, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 3. facebook.com/signalmtnnursery
ICE ON THE LANDING — First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. (new location). Outdoor ice rink, through Jan. 28 (hours vary but open holidays). $10-$12 ($2 more on holidays). iceonthelanding.com
ROMANCE AT RUBY — Ruby Falls, 1720 Scenic Highway. Themed date nights with after-hours lantern tours through the cave to the waterfall, tales of the love story of the waterfall's discoverer and his wife, professionally made photo and gift, Feb. 3-15 (select nights, various times). $95 per couple. rubyfalls.com
SKYLINE LOFT OPEN HOUSE — Ruby Falls, 1720 Scenic Highway. Official introduction of new 3,500-square-foot event venue within the Ruby Falls castle, noon-4 p.m. Feb. 3. Free, but reserve tickets. rubyfalls.com
SPIRITUALITY WORKSHOP — Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga, 3224 Navajo Drive. Unity of Chattanooga hosts entrepreneur and author May McCarthy on how to increase personal and professional success through spirituality, 1 p.m. Feb. 3. $25. Reservations: 423-755-7990
(READ MORE: Ruby Falls adds luxury lodging with three 'rustic and refined' treehouses)
SWEETHEART MARKET — Mountain Arts Community Center, 809 Kentucky Ave., Signal Mountain. Shop the Market At event features Valentine's Day-themed arts and crafts, food, champagne, live music, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 3. (Also Feb. 10 at Collegedale Commons.) shopthemarketat.com
WINTER HIKE CHALLENGE — Chattanooga-based Outshine Adventures' second annual event to encourage hiking 90 miles in 90 days, through March 19. Includes group hikes first Saturday in February and March. $40-$200. Register: outshineadventures.com
(READ MORE: These are the best winter walking spots in Chattanooga)
WINTER BRRRDING: BIRDWATCHING 101 — Greenway Farms, 5051 Gann Store Road, Hixson (meet at dog park). Family-friendly hike to learn how birds habituate and communicate in winter, 1-2:30 p.m. Feb. 3. $25. Proceeds go to Nova Conservation. thechattery.org
WINTER SKATING — Stable 41 Farmers Market, 214 First St., Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Open-air pavilion open for all-weather skating on synthetic surface that looks and feels like ice, through Jan. 31 (closed Mondays). Ninety-minute sessions; hours vary. $10. winterskate41.com
THEATER
THE ARTS CENTER — 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn. athensartscouncil.org
› Feb. 2: Cynthia McGowan's "Hot Comb, Honey?," exploring the relationship between Black women and their hair," with music by The Hardaway Sisters, followed by theatrical vignettes and collaborative conversation, 7 p.m. Sold out.
› Feb. 4-5: Auditions for "Biloxi Blues," 2 p.m. Sunday, 6:30 p.m. Monday (show dates April 5-14).
CHATTANOOGA THEATRE CENTRE — 400 River St. August Wilson's "Seven Guitars," 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2-3, 2:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8-10, 2:30 p.m. Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15-17, 2:30 p.m. Feb. 18. $22-$27. theatrecentre.com
SHORT ATTENTION SPAN THEATRE — Rivermont Presbyterian Church, 3319 Hixson Pike. Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga series of 10-minute plays combined into single show to kick off 2024 season of "New Beginnings," 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2-3, 2:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9-10, 2:30 p.m. Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15-17. ensembletheatreof chattanooga.com
LOVE GROOVE — Holiday Inn & Suites, 434 Chestnut St. Rhyme N Chatt's annual spoken-word event with music and dinner, 7 p.m. Feb. 2-3. Sold out. eventbrite.com
OAK STREET PLAYHOUSE — 408 Oak St. "Always ... Patsy Cline," featuring 27 songs inspired by the country star's correspondence with a fan, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2-3, 2 p.m. Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8-10, 2 p.m. Feb. 11. $17-$22. onthestage.com
Find more events, and add your own, at timesfreepress.com/cnevents.
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.
Staff photo by Olivia Ross / Bob Jenkins looks at books from Bill Colvard's Civil War Books of Chattanooga display at the 2023 Chickamauga Civil War Show. The show returns to the Dalton Convention Center Feb. 3-4.